Thermomagnetic cycle device

ABSTRACT

A thermomagnetic cycle device includes: a magneto-caloric element; a magnetic field modulation device that modulates an external magnetic field applied to the magneto-caloric element; a heat transport device that generates a both-way flow of heat transport medium; a phase controller that adjusts a phase difference between a magnetic field phase of change in the external magnetic field generated by the magnetic field modulation device and a flow phase of the both-way flow generated by the heat transport device; and a control device that controls the phase controller. The control device includes: a phase acquisition part that acquires the flow phase of the both-way flow of the heat transport medium or a reaction phase represented by change in heat emitted or absorbed by the magneto-caloric element; and a control part that controls the phase controller based on the flow phase or the reaction phase.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-103652filed on May 24, 2016, Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-235322 filedon Dec. 2, 2016, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-79882 filed onApr. 13, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a thermomagnetic cycle device usingtemperature characteristics of a magnetic substance.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Literatures 1-5 disclose thermomagnetic cycle devices, in each ofwhich kinetic energy and thermal energy are mutually converted usingtemperature characteristics of a magnetic substance. As onethermomagnetic cycle device, a magneto-caloric effect type heat pumpdevice (henceforth MHP device) is described. The MHP device uses changein the intensity of a magnetic field and a both-way flow of medium whichtransfers heat.

The phase relation between the change in magnetic field and the both-wayflow is an important element in order to realize a desirable operationalstatus as a thermomagnetic cycle device. In order to realize a desirablephase relation, a phase conversion mechanism that controls a rotationphase is provided between a magnetic field modulation device and a heattransport device. The description contents of the prior art literatureslisted as prior arts can be incorporated by reference for explainingtechnical elements in this specification.

PRIOR ART LITERATURES Patent Literature Patent Literature 1: JP2012-237545 A Patent Literature 2: JP 2012-47385 A Patent Literature 3:JP 2012-229634 A Patent Literature 4: JP 2012-229831 A Patent Literature5: JP 2014-62682 A SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In the conventional technology, a desirable phase may not be realized insome cases. For example, if air bubbles mix in liquid used as a heattransport medium, the heat transport medium takes on compressibility. Ifthe quantity of air bubbles changes, the compressibility of the heattransport medium changes. The change in the compressibility produces anerror in a phase represented by an actual flow of the heat transportmedium, compared with a phase assumed from the mechanical configuration.

In another viewpoint, a reaction of magneto-caloric effect in amagneto-caloric element may be delayed to a change in a magnetic field.In this case, the flow and the heat absorption/generation may shift froma desirable state. For example, even if a magneto-caloric elementgenerates heat, the heat is not fully carried by a heat transportmedium. Furthermore, the delay in reaction may change due to factorssuch as outside temperature, a kind of the heat transport medium, anddegradation in components.

In another viewpoint, it is difficult to adjust a phase difference witheasy realizable structure. When a phase conversion mechanism is providedin a rotation shaft, a device for permitting own rotation is needed forthe mechanism. For example, a fluid circuit is necessary over arotatable part and a non-rotatable part.

In the above-described viewpoints and the other viewpoints notmentioned, a further improvement is required for a thermomagnetic cycledevice.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a thermomagneticcycle device in which influence caused by phase change in a both-wayflow is restricted.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide athermomagnetic cycle device in which influence caused by a reactiondelay in a magneto-caloric effect of a magneto-caloric element isrestricted.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide athermomagnetic cycle device which can maintain the functions, whilethere is change in a flow phase or a reaction phase.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide athermomagnetic cycle device equipped with a phase controller having easystructure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a thermomagnetic cycledevice includes: a magneto-caloric element that emits or absorbs heatdepending on an intensity of an external magnetic field; a magneticfield modulation device that modulates the external magnetic fieldapplied to the magneto-caloric element; a heat transport device thatgenerates a both-way flow of heat transport medium that exchanges heatwith the magneto-caloric element so that a high temperature end and alow temperature end are generated in the magneto-caloric element; aphase controller that adjusts a phase difference between a magneticfield phase representing change in the external magnetic field generatedby the magnetic field modulation device and a flow phase of the both-wayflow generated by the heat transport device; and a control device thatcontrols the phase controller. The control device includes: a phaseacquisition part that acquires the flow phase of the both-way flow ofthe heat transport medium or a reaction phase representing change in theheat emitted or absorbed by the magneto-caloric element, and a controlpart that controls the phase controller based on the flow phase or thereaction phase.

According to the thermomagnetic cycle device, the advantageous actionand effect described below is acquired. The phase acquisition partacquires the flow phase of the both-way flow of the heat transportmedium or the reaction phase representing change in the heat generatedor absorbed by the magneto-caloric element. The control part controlsthe phase controller based on the flow phase or the reaction phase. Forthis reason, when the flow phase is acquired, a desirable phasedifference can be realized even while the flow phase of the both-wayflow is deviated from a planned phase. When the reaction phase isacquired, a desirable phase difference can be realized even while thereaction phase is deviated from a planned phase. When both the flowphase and the reaction phase are acquired, a desirable phase differencecan be realized even while the flow phase or the reaction phase isdeviated from a planned phase.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a thermomagnetic cycledevice includes: a magneto-caloric element that emits or absorbs heatdepending on an intensity of an external magnetic field; a magneticfield modulation device that modulates the external magnetic fieldapplied to the magneto-caloric element; a heat transport device thatgenerates a both-way flow of heat transport medium that exchanges heatwith the magneto-caloric element so that a high temperature end and alow temperature end are generated in the magneto-caloric element; and aphase controller that adjusts a phase difference between a magneticfield phase representing change in the external magnetic field generatedby the magnetic field modulation device and a flow phase of the both-wayflow generated by the heat transport device by shifting a relativeposition between the magnetic field modulation device and themagneto-caloric element.

According to the thermomagnetic cycle device, the phase differencebetween the phase in the magnetic field change and the phase in theboth-way flow is controlled by shifting the relative position betweenthe magnetic field modulation device and the magneto-caloric element. Inthis case, it is possible to employ a phase controller having easystructure.

In order to attain each purpose, mutually different technical means areused in embodiments of the present disclosure. The mark in parenthesisin the appended claims represents a correspondence relation with theembodiments to be mentioned later, and there is no intention to limitthe technical scope. The above and other objects, features andadvantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description made with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an air-conditioner for a vehicleaccording to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a MHP device.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a phase controller.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a flow sensor.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operations in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating waveforms of a magnetic field and a flow.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a relation between a phase-lag and anability.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating operations in a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating a relation between temperature and gasamount.

FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a relation between pressure and gasamount.

FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating a relation between gas amount andphase-lag.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating operations in a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a phase controller of thethird embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating operations in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a phase controller of thefourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating a MHP device of a fifthembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the MHP device of thefifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the MHP device of thefifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a graph illustrating waveforms of a magnetic field and aflow.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view illustrating a MHP device of a sixthembodiment.

FIG. 22 is a graph illustrating a relation between load (Td) andactivation amount (RM).

FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating operations in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view illustrating a MHP device of a seventhembodiment.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view illustrating a MHP device of an eighthembodiment.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a MHP device of a ninthembodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart illustrating operations in the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a graph illustrating waveforms of a pump operation, a flow, amagnetic field, and a reaction.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a MHP device of a tenthembodiment.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart illustrating operations in the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a MHP device of an eleventhembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described according to the drawings.Functionally and/or structurally same or equivalent portions and/orassociated portions among respective embodiments below are labeled withsame reference numerals or different in hundreds or more in thedrawings. The explanation of corresponding portion and/or the associatedportion can be referred to the other embodiment.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 illustrates an air-conditioner 10 for a vehicle, which is anexample of thermal apparatus in a first embodiment. The air-conditioner10 is carried in a vehicle, and adjusts temperature in a cabin of thevehicle. The air-conditioner 10 includes a magneto-caloric effect typeheat pump device 11. The magneto-caloric effect type heat pump device 11is also called as a MHP (Magneto-caloric effect Heat Pump) device 11.The MHP device 11 offers a thermomagnetic cycle device.

In this specification, the word of heat pump device is used in a broadsense. That is, the word of heat pump device includes both a deviceusing coldness obtained by a heat pump device and a device usingwarmness obtained by a heat pump device. The device using coldness mayalso be called as a refrigerating cycle device. In this specification,the word of heat pump device is used as a concept which includes arefrigerating cycle device.

The MHP device 11 includes a magneto-caloric element 12. Themagneto-caloric element 12 is also called as a MCE (Magneto-CaloricEffect) element 12. The MCE element 12 produces a heat generation and aheat absorption depending on the intensity of an external magneticfield. The MCE element 12 emits heat when an external magnetic field isapplied, and absorbs heat when the external magnetic field is removed.When the external magnetic field is applied to the MCE element 12,electron spins gather in a direction of the magnetic field, and magneticentropy decreases. Since heat is emitted, the temperature is raised.When the external magnetic field is removed from the MCE element 12,electron spins become disorderly, and magnetic entropy increases. Sinceheat is absorbed, the temperature is lowered. The MCE element 12 is madeof magnetic substance with a high magneto-caloric effect in a normaltemperature region. For example, gadolinium base material orlantern-iron-silicon compound can be used. Moreover, a mixture ofmanganese, iron, phosphorous, and germanium can be used.

One MCE element 12 and its relevant elements define a magneto-caloricelement unit. The magneto-caloric element unit is also called as an MCD(Magneto-Caloric effect Device) unit. The MHP device 11 uses themagneto-caloric effect of the MCE element 12. The MHP device 11 includesa magnetic field modulation device 13 and a heat transport device 14 foroperating the MCE element 12 as an AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration)cycle.

The magnetic field modulation device 13 provides an external magneticfield to the MCE element 12, and increases/decreases the intensity ofthe external magnetic field. The magnetic field modulation device 13switches periodically the MCE element 12 between a magnetization stateplacing the MCE element 12 in a strong magnetic field and anon-magnetization state placing the MCE element 12 in a weak or zeromagnetic field. The magnetic field modulation device 13 modulates theexternal magnetic field by periodically repeating a magnetization periodduring which the MCE element 12 is kept in the strong external magneticfield and a non-magnetization period during which the MCE element 12 iskept in an external magnetic field weaker than that of the magnetizationperiod. The magnetic field modulation device 13 includes a source ofmagnetism such as permanent magnet or electromagnet, for generating theexternal magnetic field.

The heat transport device 14 includes a fluid apparatus for flowing theheat transport medium to carry heat emitted or absorbed by the MCEelement 12. The heat transport device 14 is a device that makes the heattransport medium to flow, while exchanging heat with the MCE element 12,along the MCE element 12. The heat transport device 14 flows the heattransport medium to generate a high temperature end and a lowtemperature end in the MCE element 12.

The heat transport medium to exchange heat with the MCE element 12 iscalled as a primary medium. The primary medium may be fluid such asantifreeze solution, water, or oil. The heat transport device 14 movesthe heat transport medium in both-way, synchronizing with theincrease/decrease in the magnetic field by the magnetic field modulationdevice 13. The heat transport device 14 may include a pump for pumpingthe heat transport medium. The heat transport device 14 includes pumps41 and 42 for pumping the primary medium. The pump 41, 42 supplies aboth-way flow of the primary medium relative to one MCE element 12. Thepumps 41 and 42 are arranged to the respective ends of the MCE element12. The pumps 41, 42 are configured to execute an admission stroke and adischarge stroke complementarily.

The MHP device 11 includes a motor (MTR) 15 as a source of power. Themotor 15 is a source of power for the magnetic field modulation device13. The motor 15 is a source of power for the heat transport device 14.The motor 15 provided as a source of power for the MHP device 11 isdriven by a battery mounted in the vehicle.

The motor 15 and the magnetic field modulation device 13 periodicallyplace the MCE element 12 between a state in which an external magneticfield is applied to and a state in which the external magnetic field isremoved from (a state where an external magnetic field is notimpressed). The motor 15 drives the pumps 41 and 42 of the heattransport device 14. Thereby, the motor 15 and the pump 41, 42 produce aboth-way flow of the primary medium in one MCE element 12. The pump 41,42 produces a both-way flow of the heat transport medium in an MCD unitfor operating the MCE element 12 as an AMR cycle.

The MHP device 11 includes phase controllers 71 and 72. The phasecontroller 71, 72 offers a phase regulation part. The phase controller71, 72 controls a phase difference between the phase of the magneticfield change generated by the magnetic field modulation device 13 andthe phase of the both-way flow generated by the heat transport device14. The phase controller 71, 72 adjusts a phase difference between aperiodic change in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic fieldmodulation device 13 and a periodic change in the flow direction of theheat transport medium generated by the heat transport device 14. Thephase controller 71, 72 is located between the magnetic field modulationdevice 13 and the heat transport device 14. The phase controller 71, 72adjusts a phase difference in the mechanical interlocking relationbetween the magnetic field modulation device 13 and the heat transportdevice 14. The phase controller 71, 72 adjusts a mechanical phasedifference regarding the rotational direction. In this embodiment, sincethe heat transport device 14 has the two pumps 41 and 42, two phasecontrollers 71 and 72 are used.

One phase controller 71 is located between a rotation shaft for themagnetic field modulation device 13 and the heat transport device 14.The phase controller 71 is formed between a rotation shaft for themagnetic field modulation device 13 and the pump 41. One phasecontroller 72 is located between a rotation shaft for the magnetic fieldmodulation device 13 and the heat transport device 14. The phasecontroller 72 is formed between a rotation shaft for the magnetic fieldmodulation device 13 and the pump 42.

The air-conditioner 10 includes a high temperature system 16 along whichthe high temperature obtained by the MHP device 11 is transported. Thehigh temperature system 16 is also a thermal apparatus using the hightemperature obtained by the MHP device 11. The MHP device 11 includes alow temperature system 17 along which the low temperature acquired bythe MHP device 11 is transported. The low temperature system 17 is alsoa thermal apparatus using the low temperature acquired by the MHP device11. The high temperature system 16 and the low temperature system 17include a heat exchanger 51 and a heat exchanger 56, respectively, inwhich heat is exchanged between a primary medium corresponding to theheat transport medium and a secondary medium. The heat exchanger 51, 56is described in JP 2014-62682 A which can be incorporated by reference.

The air-conditioner 10 includes a control device (CNTR) 18. The controldevice 18 is an electronic control unit (Electronic Control Unit). Thecontrol device 18 has a processing unit (CPU) and a memory (MMR) as astorage medium which memorizes a program. The control device 18 isprovided with a microcomputer equipped with a storage medium which canbe read by computer. The storage medium un-temporarily stores a programwhich can be read by computer. A storage medium can be provided withsemiconductor memory or magnetic disk. The program is executed by thecontrol device 18, such that the control device 18 operates as a devicewritten in this specification and performs the control method written inthis specification. The functional block provided by the control device18 should be treated as means, only when intentionally specified asmeans.

The MHP device 11 includes plural sensors. The sensor detects a physicalquantity to be detected, and outputs an electric signal representing thedetected physical quantity. The sensor is electrically connected withthe control device 18, and the output signal is inputted into thecontrol device 18.

The MHP device 11 includes at least one flow sensor. The MHP device 11may include plural flow sensors respectively corresponding to the pluralMCE elements 12, namely, respectively corresponding to the plural workchambers. Alternatively, the MHP device 11 may include one flow sensorto detect a flow for a typical MCE element 12, i.e., a flow in arepresenting work chamber.

Two flow sensors 31 and 32 are illustrated in FIG. 1. The flow sensor31, 32 outputs an electric signal representing a flow direction of theboth-way flow of the heat transport medium. The flow sensor 31, 32outputs different electric signals, one of which represents a forwarddirection flow FN, and the other represents a reverse direction flow FM.The flow sensors 31 and 32 are used to detect a change timing in theflow direction of the heat transport medium. The flow sensors 31 and 32are used to detect a timing at which the flow direction of heattransport medium is reversed. The flow sensors 31 and 32 are used todetect the phase of the both-way flow. In other words, the flow sensors31 and 32 are used to acquire the phase of the both-way flow.

The MHP device 11 includes at least one phase sensor. Two phase sensors33 and 34 are illustrated in FIG. 1. The phase sensor 33, 34 outputs anelectric signal representing a phase difference in the rotationaldirection between the input and the output of the phase controller 71,72. The phase controller 71, 72 includes an input rotation sensor whichdetects the rotation phase of an input axis, and an output rotationsensor which detects the rotation phase of an output axis. The phasedifference of the phase controller 71, 72 is represented by a differencebetween the output from the input rotation sensor and the output fromthe output rotation sensor.

The phase controller 71, 72 adjusts a mechanical phase difference in therotational direction between the magnetic field modulation device 13 andthe heat transport device 14. Therefore, the phase sensor 33, 34 detectsa mechanical phase difference in the rotational direction between themagnetic field modulation device 13 and the heat transport device 14.That is, the phase sensor 33, 34 detects a mechanical phase differencegenerated by the phase controller 71, 72. The mechanical phasedifference is used for feedback control of the phase controller 71, 72.

The MHP device 11 includes at least one temperature sensor 35. Thetemperature sensor 35 outputs an electric signal representing thetemperature of the MHP device 11. The temperature sensor 35 is used todetect the temperature of the high temperature end or the temperature ofthe low temperature end of the MHP device 11. The temperature sensor 35is used for detecting the temperature as a variable correlated with ageneration amount of air bubbles in the heat transport medium. Thetemperature sensor 35 is one of sensors observing the state of heattransport medium. In many cases, the temperature of the high temperatureend has strong correlation with the generation amount of air bubbles.The temperature sensor 35 may be configured to detect the temperature ofheat transport medium or the environment temperature of the MHP device11, such as temperature in the engine room of the vehicle, and to outputan electric signal representing the detected temperature.

The MHP device 11 includes at least one pressure sensor 36. The pressuresensor 36 outputs an electric signal representing the pressure of theheat transport medium in the MHP device 11. The pressure sensor 36 isused to detect the pressure of the heat transport medium in the hightemperature end or the low temperature end of the MHP device 11. Thepressure sensor 36 is used for detecting the pressure as a variablecorrelated with the generation amount of the air bubbles in the heattransport medium. The pressure sensor 36 is one of the sensors observingthe state of heat transport medium. In many cases, the pressure in thework room 26 where the pressure of heat transport medium falls hasstrong correlation with the generation amount of the air bubbles.

The control device 18 controls plural controllable elements of theair-conditioner 10. For example, the control device 18 controls themotor 15 at least to switch the MHP device 11 between on and off. Thecontrol device 18 controls the magnetic field modulation device 13 andthe heat transport device 14 through the motor 15 to operate the MHPdevice 11 as heat pump. The control device 18 controls the magneticfield modulation device 13 and the heat transport device 14 through themotor 15 to generate a high temperature end and a low temperature end atthe respective ends of the MCE element 12.

The MHP device 11 is illustrated in FIG. 2. A group of the MCE elements12 has plural portions arranged along the longitudinal direction of theMCE element 12, i.e., the flow direction of the primary medium. Thematerials respectively forming the plural portions are different incurie temperature. The plural portions have high magneto-caloric effects(AS (J/kgK)) in different temperature zones. A portion near the hightemperature end has a material composition which has a highmagneto-caloric effect at a temperature near a typical temperature atthe high temperature end in a steady operation state. A portion near themiddle temperature part has a material composition which has a highmagneto-caloric effect at a temperature near a typical temperature atthe middle temperature part in a steady operation state. A portion nearthe low temperature end has a material composition which has a highmagneto-caloric effect at a temperature near a typical temperature atthe low temperature end in a steady operation state.

The temperature zone in which each portion of the MCE element 12 has ahigh magneto-caloric effect is called as an efficient temperature zone.The plural portions are arranged in series so that the efficienttemperature zones are located in a line between the high temperature endand the low temperature end. The plural portions share a regulardifference in temperature made between the high temperature end and thelow temperature end in a steady operation. Thereby, high efficiency isacquired in each of the portions. In other words, the MCE element 12 isadjusted so that each element unit has magneto-caloric effect whichexceeds a predetermined threshold value when the regular difference intemperature is obtained.

The heat transport device 14 generates a both-way flow FM and FN of heattransport medium, synchronizing with change in the external magneticfield by the magnetic field modulation device 13. The motor 15 rotates arotor core 24 of the magnetic field modulation device 13.

The pump 41, 42 is a capacity type both-way flow pump. The pump 41, 42is a slanting board type piston pump. The pump 41, 42 is an axial pistonpump with many cylinders. Two cylinders matched with one MCE element 12operate complementarily. Thereby, the both-way flow of the primarymedium is produced to flow along the longitudinal direction of one MCEelement 12. In this embodiment, the MHP device 11 includes plural MCEelements 12 thermally connected in parallel.

The MHP device 11 includes a housing 21 shaped in a pipe or cylinder.The housing 21 coaxially supports a rotation shaft 22 to be rotatable.The rotation shaft 22 is connected with an output shaft of the motor 15.The housing 21 defines a housing chamber 23 housing the magnetic fieldmodulation device 13 around the rotation shaft 22. The housing chamber23 is a cylindrical space. The rotor core 24 is fixed to the rotationshaft 22. The rotor core 24 offers a yoke for letting magnetic fluxpass, with the housing 21. The rotor core 24 has a range where magneticflux easily passes and a range where magnetic flux hardly passes alongthe circumferential direction. A permanent magnet 25 is fixed to therotor core 24. The permanent magnet 25 partially has a cylindricalshape, and the cross-section is shaped in a sector. The permanent magnet25 is fixed to the perimeter side of the rotor core 24.

The rotor core 24 and the permanent magnet 25 define a domain where theexternal magnetic field provided by the permanent magnet 25 becomesstrong, and a domain where the external magnetic field provided by thepermanent magnet 25 becomes weak, therearound. In the domain where theexternal magnetic field becomes weak, most of the external magneticfield is removed. The rotor core 24 and the permanent magnet 25 rotatesynchronizing with rotation of the rotation shaft 22. Therefore, thedomain where the external magnetic field is strong, and the domain wherethe external magnetic field is weak rotate synchronizing with rotationof the rotation shaft 22. As a result, at one point around the rotorcore 24 and the permanent magnet 25, a period during which the externalmagnetic field is impressed strongly, and a period during which theexternal magnetic field is mostly removed to be weak arise repeatedly.Therefore, the rotor core 24 and the permanent magnet 25 offer themagnetic field modulation device 13 which repeats impression and removalof an external magnetic field. The rotor core 24 and the permanentmagnet 25 offer a device which switches impression and removal of theexternal magnetic field to the MCE element 12. The word of a magneticfield can be read as magnetic fields.

The housing 21 defines and forms at least one work room 26. The workroom 26 is located adjacent to the housing chamber 23. The housing 21forms plural work rooms 26 arranged at equal interval, on the outer sideof the housing chamber 23 in the radial direction. In this embodiment,one housing 21 provides ten work rooms 26. Each of the work rooms 26forms a pillar-shaped space having the longitudinal direction along theaxial direction of the housing 21. One work room 26 is formed tocorrespond to one cylinder of the pump 41 and one cylinder of the pump42. Two cylinders are arranged at the respective sides of the one workroom 26.

The work room 26 offers a primary passage for flowing a primary medium.The housing 21 is also a passage component that forms plural primarypassages for the primary medium. The primary medium flows in the workroom 26 along the longitudinal direction. The primary medium flows inboth directions along the longitudinal direction inside of the work room26.

The work room 26 offers a housing chamber which houses the MCE element12. The housing 21 offers a container in which the work room 26 isformed. The MCE element 12 is arranged in the work room 26, as magneticworking material which has a magneto-caloric effect.

The one MCE element 12 is formed in a stick shape having thelongitudinal direction along the axial direction of the MHP device 11.The MCE element 12 has the shape to be able to fully carry out heatexchange with the primary medium flowing through the work room 26. Eachof the MCE elements 12 is also called an element bed.

The MCE element 12 is put under the external magnetic field impressed orremoved by the magnetic field modulation device 13. That is, therotation of the rotation shaft 22 alternately switches the MCE element12 between the state where the external magnetic field is impressed tomagnetize, and the state where the external magnetic field is removedfrom.

The high temperature system 16 includes the heat exchanger 51 for heatexchange between a primary medium and a secondary medium. A secondarymedium is a heat transport medium used to convey heat in the hightemperature system 16. A secondary medium can be provided by fluid, suchas an antifreeze solution, water, and oil. The high temperature system16 includes a passage 52 where a secondary medium circulates. The hightemperature system 16 includes a heat exchanger 53 for heat exchangebetween a secondary medium and other media. For example, the heatexchanger 53 offers heat exchange between a secondary medium and air.The high temperature system 16 includes a pump 54 for pumping asecondary medium. The pump 54 pumps a secondary medium to circulatethrough the heat exchanger 51, the passage 52, and the heat exchanger53. The high temperature system 16 is also an apparatus to cool the hightemperature end by removing heat away from the high temperature end ofthe MHP device 11.

The low temperature system 17 includes the heat exchanger 56 for heatexchange between a primary medium and a secondary medium. A secondarymedium is a heat transport medium used to convey heat in the lowtemperature system 17. A secondary medium can be provided by fluid, suchas an antifreeze solution, water, and oil. The low temperature system 17includes a passage 57 where a secondary medium circulates. The lowtemperature system 17 includes a heat exchanger 58 for heat exchangebetween a secondary medium and other media. For example, the heatexchanger 58 offers the heat exchange between a secondary medium andair. The low temperature system 17 includes a pump 59 for pumping asecondary medium. The pump 59 pumps a secondary medium to circulatethrough the heat exchanger 56, the passage 57, and the heat exchanger58. The low temperature system 17 is also an apparatus to heat the lowtemperature end by providing heat to the low temperature end of the MHPdevice 11.

The heat exchangers 51 and 56 are symmetrically arranged to therespective ends of the MCE elements 12. The heat exchangers 51 and 56have components mutually corresponding to each other. The heat exchanger56 is explained in detail below. This explanation is applicable also tothe heat exchanger 51. The heat exchanger 56 has a body 61. The body 61is formed by combining plural components.

The body 61 is a passage component which forms plural primary passages62 for a primary medium. The plural primary passages 62 are located onextension of plural work rooms 26. The plural primary passages 62 arearranged at equal interval along the circumferential direction of theheat exchanger 56. The body 61 is also a passage component which formsplural secondary passages 63 for a secondary medium. In order tofacilitate the heat exchange between a primary medium and a secondarymedium, the body 61 is formed so that a high heat transfer coefficientcan be realized. In this embodiment, the body 61 is made of metal suchas aluminum base. The body 61 may be made of copper base metal or resinmaterial.

FIG. 3 illustrates the cross-section of the heat exchanger 56 takenalong a line III-III of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates the section takenalong a line II-II of FIG. 3. One primary passage 62 corresponds to onework room 26. For example, ten primary passages 62 are formed in FIG. 3.The primary passage 62 penetrates the cylindrical heat exchanger 56along the axial direction. Plural fins are arranged in the primarypassage 62 to offer large area for heat exchange.

The heat exchanger 56 has the secondary passage 63 for a secondarymedium to flow. The body 61 defines the secondary passage 63. Thesecondary passage 63 is extended along the circumferential direction ofthe heat exchanger 56. The secondary passage 63 is a one way passagefrom an entrance to an exit. The secondary passage 63 is a passage whichextends in one direction along the circumferential direction of the heatexchanger 56. The secondary passage 63 passes by near the plural primarypassages 62. The secondary passage 63 passes by in order near the pluralprimary passages 62. The secondary passage 63 passes by near the pluralprimary passages 62 every once. The secondary passage 63 is formed tomake one turn around the radially outer side of the cylindrical heatexchanger 56. Plural fins are arranged in the secondary passage 63 tooffer large area for heat exchange.

As shown in FIG. 2, the two heat exchangers 53 and 58 offer a part ofthe air-conditioner 10. The heat exchanger 53 is a high temperature sideheat exchanger which becomes higher in temperature than the heatexchanger 58. The heat exchanger 53 is also called an indoor heatexchanger. The heat exchanger 58 is a low temperature side heatexchanger which becomes lower in temperature than the heat exchanger 53.The heat exchanger 58 is also called an outdoor heat exchanger. Theair-conditioner 10 includes air system apparatus such as anair-conditioning duct and a fan for using the high temperature side heatexchanger 53 and/or the low temperature side heat exchanger 56 forair-conditioning the cabin.

The air-conditioner 10 is used as a cooler or a heater. Theair-conditioner 10 may include a cooler which cools air to be suppliedinto the cabin, and a heater which reheats the air cooled by the cooler.The MHP device 11 is used as a coldness supply source, or a warmnesssupply source in the air-conditioner 10. That is, the heat exchanger 53can be used as the heater, and the heat exchanger 58 can be used as thecooler.

When the MHP device 11 is used as a warmness supply source, the airpassing through the heat exchanger 53 is supplied to the cabin of thevehicle, and is used for heating. At this time, the air passing throughthe heat exchanger 58 is discharged out of the cabin. When the MHPdevice 11 is used as a coldness supply source, the air passing throughthe heat exchanger 58 is supplied to the cabin of the vehicle, and isused for cooling. At this time, the air passing through the heatexchanger 53 is discharged out of the cabin. The MHP device 11 may beused as a dehumidifier device. In this case, the air passing through theheat exchanger 58 passes the heat exchanger 53, and is supplied into thecabin. The MHP device 11 is used as a warm heat supply source in winterand in summer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 18 controls the phase controllers71 and 72. The control device 18 controls the phase controllers 71 and72 so that the phase difference between the magnetic field phaserepresenting change in the magnetic field by the magnetic fieldmodulation device 13 and the flow phase of the both-way flow by the heattransport device 14 becomes equal to a target phase difference. Themotor 15 is directly connected to, for example, the pump 42 of themagnetic field modulation device 13. Therefore, the magnetic field phaserepresenting the change in the magnetic field change by the magneticfield modulation device 13 can be observed as a rotation position of themotor 15. In this embodiment, the magnetic field phase of the magneticfield change by the magnetic field modulation device 13 can be observedbased on the electric signal from the phase sensor 33, 34.

The magnetic field phase of the magnetic field change by the magneticfield modulation device 13 is represented by a timing when the intensityof the magnetic field intersects a standard intensity of the magneticfield by which the MCE element 12 can demonstrate a magneto-caloriceffect which exceeds a predetermined ability.

The flow phase of both-way flow can be observed based on the electricsignal from the flow sensor 31, 32. The flow phase of both-way flow isrepresented by a timing when the flowing direction is reversed.

The control device 18 has plural functional blocks 18 a-18 c. Thefunctional block 18 a offers a flow phase acquisition part whichacquires the flow phase of the both-way flow by the heat transportdevice 14. The flow phase is acquired by detecting a flow phasedirectly, i.e., by observing a flow phase. The flow phase may beacquired by presuming based on physical quantity correlated with a flowphase, i.e., by estimating. In this embodiment, a flow phase is detectedbased on the electric signal outputted from the flow sensor 31, 32.

The functional block 18 b offers a phase determining part whichdetermines whether the acquired flow phase corresponds to the targetphase on which the MHP device 11 can function at high efficiency. Here,the phase difference between the acquisition flow phase and the magneticfield phase of the magnetic field change by the magnetic fieldmodulation device 13 is used. The phase difference calculated based onthe acquisition flow phase can be called as a real phase difference. Thereal phase difference is deviated from the calculation phase differencewhich should be realized based on the mechanical structure due tovarious factors, such as compressibility of a heat transport medium, anda leak of a heat transport medium. In many cases, the real phasedifference is behind the calculation phase difference. In other words,the phase of the both-way flow is behind the phase of magnetic fieldchange. The phase difference acquisition part is provided by thefunctional blocks 18 a and 18 b to acquire the phase difference.

It is desirable that the acquisition phase difference is equal to atarget phase difference which is a predetermined amount of delay, inorder that the MHP device 11 demonstrates high efficiency as an AMRcycle. The target phase difference is a delay phase difference by whichthe flow phase is delayed from the magnetic field phase. However, thereal phase difference is deviated from the target phase difference, forexample, due to the above-described air bubbles. The acquisition phasedifference is a delay phase difference which is further delayed behindthe target phase difference. Therefore, it is difficult to make the realphase difference to be equal with the target phase difference bycontrolling the phase controllers 71 and 72 only by the calculationbased on the mechanical structure. So, in this embodiment, the phasecontrollers 71 and 72 are controlled so that the real phase differenceis in agreement with the target phase difference.

The functional block 18 c offers a control part which controls the phasecontrollers 71 and 72 so that the real phase difference calculated basedon the acquired flow phase approaches and agrees the target phasedifference. The functional block 18 c is also a feedback control partwhich carries out feedback control of the phase controllers 71 and 72 sothat the acquired real phase difference becomes equal to the targetphase difference. When the difference between the real phase differenceand the target phase difference is within a predetermined tolerancerange, it can be said that the real phase difference is in agreementwith the target phase difference.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cross-section of the phase controller 71, 72. Thephase controller 71, 72 is a vane type phase controller. The phasecontroller 71 and the phase controller 72 have the same structures.Hereafter, the phase controller 71 is explained. The phase controller 71has a housing 73 and a rotor 74. The housing 73 houses the rotor 74inside. Capacity chambers 75 and 76 are defined between the housing 73and the rotor 74 for operation fluid. The capacity chamber 75, 76 isdefined between a shoe portion defined on the inner side of the housing73 and a vane portion defined on the outer side of the rotor 74 in thecircumferential direction.

The phase controller 71 adjusts the phase difference between therotatable input axis and the rotatable output axis in the rotationaldirection. The housing 73 is connected with one of the input axis andthe output axis. The rotor 74 is connected with the other of the inputaxis and the output axis. For example, the housing 73 is connected withthe pump 41, and the rotor 74 is connected with the rotor core 24. Thecapacity of the capacity chamber 75, 76 is variable. The capacity of thecapacity chamber 75, 76 is changed by the phase difference between thehousing 73 and the rotor 74.

When the housing 73 and the rotor 74 rotate in the rotational directionRT, the rotor 74 can be rotated relative to the housing 73 in theadvance direction ADV and the retard direction RET. For example, whenthe volume of the first capacity chamber 75 (called an advance chamber)decreases and the volume of the second capacity chamber 76 (called aretard chamber) increases, the phase of the rotor 74 to the housing 73changes in the advance direction ADV. When the volume of the firstcapacity chamber 75 increases and the volume of the second capacitychamber 76 decreases, the phase of the rotor 74 to the housing 73changes in the retard direction RET. Thus, the phase controller 71 isprovided corresponding to the advance direction ADV and the retarddirection RET, and has the housing 73 and the rotor 74 as a componentwhich forms the plural capacity chambers 75 and 76 in which theoperation fluid is input.

The phase controller 71 has a fluid device (FD) 78 which controls supplyof the operation fluid to the capacity chambers 75 and 76, and dischargeof the operation fluid from the capacity chambers 75 and 76. The fluiddevice 78 can be provided by a pump and a control valve.

The cross-section of the flow sensor 31, 32 is illustrated in FIG. 5.The flow sensor 31, 32 directly observes the flow direction of the heattransport medium. The flow sensor 31, 32 can also be called as anoptical flow direction sensor. The flow sensor 31 and the flow sensor 32have the same structure. Hereafter, the flow sensor 31 is explained. Theflow sensor 31 includes a float 37 which moves in response to the flowof heat transport medium. The float 37 is arranged in the work room 26.The flow sensor 31 has optical sensors 38 and 39 which optically detectthe position of the float 37. When the optical sensor 38 detects thefloat 37, the flow direction of the heat transport medium is in theforward direction FN. When the optical sensor 39 detects the float 37,the flow direction of the heat transport medium is in the reversedirection FM.

In FIG. 6, the control device 18 executes a phase control processing190. The phase control processing 190 controls the phase controllers 71and 72 so that the output of the MHP device 11 is maximized as arefrigerating device.

FIG. 7 illustrates the waveform of the magnetic field MG and thewaveform of the flow FL. FIG. 8 illustrates the output Q of the MHPdevice 11 to the phase-lag RTD. When the flow waveform FLt is behind theactual magnetic field waveform MGr by the target phase difference PHt,the ability Q becomes the maximum. The target phase difference PHt is aphase difference by which the MCE element 12 can have the high abilityas an AMR cycle. The target phase difference PHt is a phase differencebetween a timing at which the intensity of magnetic field reaches alevel MGth such that the MCE element 12 has a predeterminedmagneto-caloric effect, and a timing at which the flow of heat transportmedium is reversed.

In case where air bubbles are generated in the heat transport medium,the flow phase is delayed by the compressibility of air bubbles. Theactual flow waveform FLr, when air bubbles are generated, is behind anideal flow waveform FLt only by an error phase difference PHe. At thistime, the actual flow waveform FLr is behind the actual magnetic fieldwaveform MGr by the acquired acquisition phase difference PHr.

In order to maintain the ability Q to be near the maximum, the phase-lagRTD needs to be maintained within a predetermined target range PHp. Thehigh ability more than the threshold value Qth can be achieved bycontrolling the acquisition phase difference PHr within the target rangePHp including the target phase difference PHt.

The control device 18 controls the phase controllers 71 and 72 so thatthe acquisition phase difference PHr observed between the magnetic fieldwaveform MGr and the flow waveform FLr is controlled within the targetrange PHp including the target phase difference PHt while air bubblesare generated in the heat transport medium.

In Step 191 of FIG. 6, the control device 18 detects the flow phasebased on the output of the flow sensor 31, 32 by observing the flow ofheat transport medium by the flow sensor 31, 32. Step 191 offers thefunctional block 18 a which acquires a flow phase. Step 191 offers theflow phase acquisition part which acquires the flow phase of theboth-way flow of heat transport medium. The flow phase is acquired byobserving the actual flow of heat transport medium. Therefore, evenwhile air bubbles are generated, the flow phase which is delayed by theair bubbles can be observed.

In Step 192, the control device 18 determines whether the phase-lagamount is equal to a desired value. Step 192 offers the functional block18 b which determines whether the phase-lag is in the proper range. Step192 offers the phase determining part which acquires the acquisitionphase difference PHr based on the magnetic field phase representingchange in the external magnetic field and the acquisition flow phaseacquired by the flow phase acquisition part. Here, the magnetic fieldphase can be specified based on the mechanical interlocking relationbetween the motor 15 and the magnetic field modulation device 13 in afixed manner. At Step 192, it is determined whether the acquisitionphase difference PHr is within the target range PHp.

In Step 193, the control device 18 controls the phase controllers 71 and72. The control device 18 controls the phase controller 71, 72 so thatthe acquired acquisition phase difference PHr approaches the desirabletarget phase difference PHt. The control device 18 controls theacquisition phase difference PHr within the target range PHp includingthe target phase difference PHt. The control device 18 controls thephase controller 71, 72 to maintain the acquisition phase difference PHrwithin the target range PHp. It can be said that the control device 18controls the phase controller 71, 72 to reduce the error phasedifference PHe between the acquisition phase difference PHr and thetarget phase difference PHt. The phase controllers 71 and 72 receivefeedback control. Step 193 offers the functional block 18 c whichcontrols a phase converter. Step 193 offers a control part. The phasedifference is controlled in Step 193 by adjusting the volume ratiobetween the capacity chambers 75 and 76.

Thereby, the phase controllers 71 and 72 are controlled so that thephase difference between the magnetic field waveform MGr and the flowwaveform FLr is in agreement with the desired value PHt. In thisembodiment, the agreement means that the phase difference between themagnetic field waveform MGr and the flow waveform FLr is mathematicallyequal to the desired value PHt, and that the phase difference betweenthe magnetic field waveform MGr and the flow waveform FLr is within therange PHp including the desired value PHt.

According to the embodiment, a phase gap (phase-lag) of the both-wayflow caused by gas generated in heat transport medium is acquired. Thephase difference between the magnetic field modulation device 13 and theheat transport device 14 is adjusted in response to the acquired phasegap. This adjustment is performed to maintain the output of the MHPdevice 11 to be near the maximum. As a result, the MHP device 11 canmaintain high capability, even if a disturbance is generated in the flowof heat transport medium, for example, by air bubbles in the heattransport medium. The phase-lag is determined based on the flow waveformobserved by the sensor. Therefore, the phase-lag amount in the flowwaveform caused by disturbance, such as air bubbles, can be correctlydetected. As a result, the phase difference is controlled correctly to adesirable value. The adjustment of the phase difference is performed bythe phase controller 71, 72. According to this embodiment, thethermomagnetic cycle device is provided in which the phase differencebetween the magnetic field change and the both-way flow can be adjustedin the desirable state.

Second Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification of the preceding fundamentalembodiment. In the first embodiment, the flow phase is acquired byobserving the flow of heat transport medium by the sensor 31, 32. In asecond embodiment, the flow phase is acquired by predicting the amountof gas in a heat transport medium, which is caused by air bubbles.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in Step 291, the control device 18 estimates aflow phase. The flow phase is presumed based on the presumed amount ofair bubbles and a standard phase of the flow waveform generated by theheat transport device 14, without observing the flow direction of theheat transport medium. The air bubbles generated in the heat transportmedium includes air bubbles generated when being less than a saturationpressure and/or a saturation temperature, and air bubbles generated by acavitation. In this embodiment, the total amount Gv of air bubbles ispresumed based on the amount Gvs of air bubbles presumed from thesaturation conditions, and the amount Gvc of air bubbles presumed fromthe cavitation.

FIG. 10 illustrates a graph representing the air bubbles amount Gvs (TP,Pr) (m³) presumed based on the temperature TP (° C.) and the pressure Pr(MPa). The temperature TP is a temperature at a portion in the MHPdevice 11 where the air bubbles are most easily generated. The pressurePr is a pressure at a portion in the MHP device 11 where the air bubblesare most easily generated. The MHP device 11 includes a pressure sensorin this embodiment. The air bubbles amount Gvs represents the amount ofair bubbles generated by gas component dissolved in the heat transportmedium due to the fall in pressure and/or the fall in temperature.

FIG. 11 illustrates a graph representing the air bubbles amount Gvc (TP,Pr) (m³) presumed based on the pressure Pr (MPa) and the temperature TP(° C.). In some cases, a cavitation is generated, depending on the formof the work room 26, in the heat transport medium. As a result, airbubbles are generated. The air bubbles amount Gvc represents the amountof air bubbles generated by the cavitation in the heat transport medium.

FIG. 12 illustrates a graph representing the phase-lag amount RTD of aflow waveform to the air bubbles amount Gv. The air bubbles amount Gv isthe sum of the air bubbles amount Gvs and the air bubbles amount Gvc.The phase-lag amount becomes larger, as the air bubbles amount Gv isincreased.

Step 291 offers a flow phase acquisition part. In this embodiment, bothof the air bubbles amount Gvs and the air bubbles amount Gvc are used.Alternatively, either one of the air bubbles amount Gvs and the airbubbles amount Gvc may be used. Step 291 presumes a flow phase based onthe output of the temperature sensor 35 and/or the pressure sensor 36.

In this embodiment, the thermomagnetic cycle device is provided in whichthe phase difference between the magnetic field change and the both-wayflow can be adjusted in the desirable state. The phase difference of theflow waveform is presumed based on the related physical quantity,without directly observing a flow. Therefore, a desirable phasedifference can be realized by comparatively easy structure.

Third Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification of the preceding fundamentalembodiments. In the above embodiments, the phase difference is adjustedby adjusting the volume of the capacity chambers 75 and 76 of the phasecontroller 71, 72. Alternatively, in this embodiment, dumpingcharacteristic is given for adjusting the phase difference to adesirable phase difference by generating air bubbles of a predeterminedamount in the capacity chamber 75, 76. In this embodiment, air bubblesof a predetermined are injected into at least one capacity chamber 75,76.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, in Step 393, the phase difference is adjustedby supplying intentionally air bubbles in the capacity chamber 75, 76.Therefore, the control part in this embodiment controls the phasedifference by giving a dumping function to the phase controller 71, 72.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the phase controller 71, 72 includes a bubblesource 379 (BS) that injects air bubbles into the first capacity chamber75. The bubble source 379 offers an air bubble injector to give adumping function by injecting air bubbles into the capacity chamber 75.A control part controls the phase difference by controlling the airbubble injector. When air bubbles are poured into the first capacitychamber 75 by the bubble source 379, the rotor 74 becomes easy to rotateby the compressibility of air bubbles in the advance direction ADV. Thebubble source 379 can perform injection and removal of air bubblesrelative to the capacity chamber 75, 76. The bubble source 379 may beconfigured to inject air bubbles relative to both of the first capacitychamber 75 and the second capacity chamber 76. The bubble source 379 maybe configured to inject air bubbles only to the second capacity chamber76.

The amount of air bubbles is set based on the error phase differencePHe. Air bubbles add the dumping function equivalent to the error phasedifference PHe to the phase controller 71, 72. As a result, the phasecontroller 71, 72 is rotated in the advance direction ADV to compensatethe phase-lag caused by the air bubbles in the heat transport medium.Thereby, the phase difference between the magnetic field modulationdevice 13 and the heat transport device 14 approaches a desirable phasedifference (target phase difference PHt). According to this embodiment,a desirable phase difference is realized by comparatively easystructure.

Fourth Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification of the preceding fundamentalembodiments. Air bubbles are put into the capacity chamber 75, 76 in theabove embodiments. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the temperature ofoperation fluid is adjusted to generate air bubbles in the operationfluid.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, in Step 493, the temperature of operationfluid is adjusted so that air bubbles are generated in the operationfluid. The generated air bubbles add a dumping function to adjust thephase difference.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the phase controller 71, 72 has athermoregulator (HT) 479 which adjusts the temperature of operationfluid. The thermoregulator 479 offers a temperature controller whichcontrols the temperature of operation fluid to produce air bubbles inthe capacity chamber 75. The thermoregulator 479 offers an air bubbleinjector. The gas solubility of operation fluid is known. Therefore, theamount of air bubbles is correctly controllable by the temperature. Thethermoregulator 479 is, for example, a heater which heats the heattransport medium.

In this embodiment, the phase controller 71, 72 is rotated in theadvance direction ADV to compensate the phase-lag caused by the airbubbles in the heat transport medium. Thereby, the phase differencebetween the magnetic field modulation device 13 and the heat transportdevice 14 approaches the target phase difference PHt. According to thisembodiment, a desirable phase difference is realizable by comparativelyeasy structure.

Fifth Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification of the preceding fundamentalembodiments. In the above embodiments, the phase controller 71, 72 isdisposed between the magnetic field modulation device 13 and the heattransport device 14. Alternatively, the phase difference between thephase of magnetic field change and the phase of both-way flow isadjusted by moving the MCE element 12 in this embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating the MHP device 11 of theair-conditioner 10 for a vehicle. For easy understanding, illustrationof plural components is omitted. For example, a heat exchanger is notillustrated. In this embodiment, the MCE element 12 is housed in thehousing 521 that is moveable in the circumferential direction. Thehousing 521 is movable along the rotational direction of the magneticfield modulation device 13. The housing 521 is also a component whichforms a work room. The housing 521 is also a component which offers thecontainer for the MCE element 12. The housing 521 and the MCE element 12are also called as a bed for taking out the magneto-caloric effect.

The MHP device 11 includes the phase controllers 571 and 572 for movingthe housing 521. The phase controller 571, 572 shifts a relativeposition between the magnetic field modulation device 13 and the MCEelement 12. The phase controller 571, 572 is provided by variousmechanisms that can move the housing 521. For example, a rotationmechanism, a linear move mechanism, a circular orbit move mechanism, andthe like are used. The MHP device 11 includes plural flow sensors 531.The plural flow sensors 531 are positioned at the respective ends of thework room. As a result, a change in the phase of the both-way flow canbe detected quickly.

The magnetic field modulation device 13 has a rotor including apermanent magnet and a yoke 527 for letting magnetic flux pass. Themagnetic field modulation device 13 periodically fluctuates the magneticfield which acts on the MCE element 12 by rotating the permanent magnet.The phase controller 571, 572 moves the housing 521 and the MCE element12 simultaneously. Thereby, the timing at which a magnetic field acts onthe MCE element 12 is shifted. As a result, the phase changes in thechange of magnetic field.

In this embodiment, the MCE element 12 is moved among the adjustableelements in the MHP device 11. Therefore, the phase difference betweenthe phase of magnetic field change and the phase of both-way flow can beadjusted, without being dependent on the magnetic field modulationdevice 13 and/or the heat transport device 14. The MCE element 12 movesalong the rotational direction of the magnetic field modulation device13. Therefore, it can be said that a variable portion is within themagnetic field modulation device 13. For this reason, even when aninescapable change arises in the phase of both-way flow, a desirablephase difference can be realized as an AMR cycle.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the relative spatialrelationship between the magnetic field modulation device 13 and the MCEelement 12 at a reference position. The bed including the MCE element 12and the housing 521 is movable within a predetermined range in therotational direction. When assuming the reference position 0 of thehousing 521, the housing 521 can be moved in the advance directionand/or the retard direction. For example, it is assumed that the housing521 is moved to a retard position illustrated with a dashed line. Thephase controller 571, 572 shifts the housing 521 in the rotationaldirection. In this case, the housing 521 moves by the phase PHm in therotational direction. The phase PHm is also a phase of the magneticfield change regarding the MCE element 12.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the relative spatialrelationship when the phase of magnetic field change is delayed. Whenthe magnetic field modulation device 13 is rotated in the arrowdirection, the housing 521 moves as illustrated, such that the change inmagnetic field which acts on the MCE element 12 is delayed by the phasePHm. In this way, the phase controller 571, 572 changes the phase ofmagnetic field change. As a result, the phase controller 571, 572controls the phase difference between the phase of magnetic field changeand the phase of both-way flow.

FIG. 20 illustrates the waveform of the magnetic field change MG and thewaveform of the both-way flow FL. The dashed line represents afundamental waveform MG1 of the magnetic field change MG specified bythe mechanical structure of the MHP device 11. The magnetic field changeMG is delayed by the phase controller 571, 572, as illustrated in athick solid line which corresponds to a delay waveform MGd delayed bythe phase PHm. The single chain line represents a fundamental waveformFL1 of the both-way flow FL specified by the mechanical structure of theMHP device 11. The both-way flow FL may be delayed by the phase PHf, forexample, by mixing of air bubbles or partial cavitation, as illustratedin a thin solid line which corresponds to a delay waveform FLd.

The control device 18 acquires the phase difference PHr between themagnetic field phase PHm representing the change in the magnetic field,and the flow phase PHf of the both-way flow. The control device 18controls the phase controller 571, 572 so that the acquired phasedifference PHr becomes close to the desirable target phase differencePHt.

In this embodiment, the magnetic field modulation device 13 modulatesthe magnetic field which acts on the MCE element 12 and the housing 521by its own rotation. The MCE element 12 and the housing 521 are movablein the rotational direction only within the predetermined angle range.The movement of the MCE element 12 and the housing 521 means a shift inthe relative position between the magnetic field modulation device 13and the MCE element 12. The phase of magnetic field generated by themagnetic field modulation device 13 to the MCE element 12 changes. Thephase of the both-way flow generated by the heat transport device 14 isdetermined by the mechanical structure or operational status of thedevice. Therefore, the movement of the MCE element 12 and the housing521 adjusts the phase difference between the phase of magnetic fieldchange and the phase of both-way flow.

In this embodiment, the control device 18 acquires the phase differencePHr between the magnetic field phase PHm of magnetic field change andthe flow phase PHf of both-way flow. The control device 18 controls thephase controller 571, 572 so that the acquired phase difference PHrapproaches the desirable target phase difference PHt.

According to this embodiment, the housing 521, i.e., the MCE element 12,is moved in the rotational direction in order to adjust the phasedifference between the phase of magnetic field change and the phase ofboth-way flow. For this reason, the phase difference can be adjusted,without equipping with a phase controller in the rotation shaft 22 whichtransmits a driving force.

Sixth Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification of the preceding fundamentalembodiments. This embodiment describes specific configurations of thephase controller 571, 572. In this embodiment, the phase controller 571,572 is a screw sending mechanism which is a linear move mechanism.

FIG. 21 illustrates the phase controller 571 (572). The phase controller571 has a motor 675 as a source of power, and a feed screw 676 driven bythe motor 675. The phase controller 571 has a stage 677 having a nut tofit with a screw of the feed screw 676. The stage 677 has an orbit tomove linearly along the longitudinal direction of the feed screw 676.

The stage 677 and the housing 521 are connected by a stay 678. The stay678 is a converter which changes linear movement of the stage 677 intorotation movement of the housing 521. The stay 678 has a strain gauge679. The strain gauge 679 measures a load generated in the housing 521.

FIG. 22 illustrates a relation between the load Td generated in thehousing 521 and an activation amount RM of the MCE element 12. The MCEelement 12 is fixed in the housing 521. When the temperature of the MCEelement 12 reaches an efficient temperature zone, the MCE element 12 isactivated and reacts to the magnetic field of the magnetic fieldmodulation device 13. A torque produced in the MCE element 12 by themagnetic field modulation device 13 appears in the housing 521. Here,the torque produced in the MCE element 12 by the magnetic fieldmodulation device 13 becomes the load Td in the housing 521. The load Tdof the housing 521 produces a strain in the stay 678 connected with thehousing 521.

In case where the MCE elements 12 are in the cascade connection, theload Td is generated in the housing 521 depending on the quantity of theMCE elements 12 which reached the efficient temperature zone. Therefore,the load Td detected by the strain gauge 679 includes a componentrepresenting the activation amount RM of the MCE elements 12 whichreached the efficient temperature zone. For example, of the output ofthe strain gauge 679, an alternating-current component synchronized withrotation of the magnetic field modulation device 13 represents a changein the magnetic field. Of the output of the strain gauge 679, themaximum value of the alternating-current component or the amplituderepresents the activation amount RM of the MCE element 12.

The control device 18 detects the activation amount RM of the MCEelement 12, i.e., the reaction state, through the strain gauge 679. Thereaction state represents the ratio of the activated elements relativeto the whole MCE elements 12. The control device 18 switches the controlstate of the MHP device 11 based on the output of the strain gauge 679(load Td). Here, a component which represents the activation amount RMis extracted from the output of the strain gauge 679. Specifically, theoutput of the strain gauge 679 (load Td) is used as an indexrepresenting a threshold value Th between a starting control and anormal control.

In FIG. 23, the control device 18 performs a control processing 695. Thecontrol device 18 inputs the load Td from the strain gauge 679 in Step696. The control device 18 determines the load Td in Step 697. Here, theload Td is compared with the threshold value Th. It is determinedwhether the load Td is less than the threshold value Th. When the loadTd is less than the threshold value Th, it progresses to Step 698. Whenthe load Td is not less than the threshold value Th, it progresses toStep 699. When the load Td is less than the threshold value Th, it isdetermined that the activation amount RM is insufficient for the MHPdevice 11 to maintain a temperature difference between the hightemperature end and the low temperature end. A starting control isperformed at Step 698. In the starting control, a control for increasingthe activation amount RM of the MCE element 12 is performed. A normalcontrol is performed at Step 699.

According to this embodiment, the phase of magnetic field change can bechanged by the phase controller 571 with comparatively easy structure.For this reason, the phase difference between the phase of magneticfield change and the phase of both-way flow can be controlled to adesirable value by detecting the phase of both-way flow with the flowsensor 531. Moreover, the load Td which acts on the housing 521 is usedas an index for determining the activation amount RM. The startingcontrol and the normal control can be switched from each other based onthe activation amount RM.

Seventh Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification of the preceding fundamentalembodiments. This embodiment describes specific configurations of thephase controller 571, 572. In this embodiment, the phase controller 571,572 is a fluid mechanism which is a linear move mechanism.

FIG. 24 illustrates the phase controller 571 (572). The phase controller571 is a fluid mechanism using fluid, such as air or oil, as the sourceof power. The phase controller 571 has a fluid cylinder 775 and a rod776. An extension length of the rod 776 is adjusted by the fluidcylinder 775. The phase controller 571 has a stage 777 fixed to the rod776, and the position of the stage 777 is adjusted with the rod 776. Astay 678 is provided between the stage 777 and the housing 521. The stay678 has the strain gauge 679. In this embodiment, the same action andeffect is acquired as the preceding embodiments.

Eighth Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification of the preceding fundamentalembodiments. This embodiment describes specific configurations of thephase controller 571, 572. In this embodiment, the phase controller 571,572 is a gear mechanism which is a rotation move mechanism.

In FIG. 25, the phase controller 571 (572) has a motor 875 as the sourceof power, and a first gear 876 directly driven by the motor 875. Thephase controller 571 has a second gear 877 that meshes with the firstgear 876. The second gear 877 has a stay 878. The second gear 877 isrotated with the stay 878. The stay 878 connects the housing 521 and thesecond gear 877. The first gear 876, the second gear 877, and the stay878 offer a rotation move mechanism.

When the motor 875 rotates, the first gear 876 rotates. The second gear877 also rotates by rotation of the first gear 876. The housing 521 ismoved by rotation of the second gear 877. The activation amount RM ofthe MCE element 12 can be observed as torque for moving the housing 521.Therefore, the activation amount RM can be known by observing the drivetorque for the motor 875. In this embodiment, a reaction force torquewhich acts on the motor 875 is used instead of the load Td in thepreceding embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the same action andeffect is acquired as the preceding embodiments.

Ninth Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification of the preceding fundamentalembodiments. In the preceding embodiments, the flow phase PHf isdetected by the flow sensor (FD) 31. The control device 18 acquires theflow phase PHf from the flow sensor 31. Alternatively or additionally inthis embodiment, a phase sensor (MD) 933 is used to acquire the reactionphase PHtr.

The MCE element 12 thermally reacts to change in a magnetic field due tothe magneto-caloric effect. The MCE element 12 emits or absorbs heat inresponse to change in a magnetic field. Therefore, the phase of areaction waveform can be acquired from the emitted or absorbed heat. Thephase of this reaction waveform is the reaction phase PHtr. The reactionof the MCE element 12 is delayed by a definite period of time, or by avariable period of time. When the frequency is low in the change ofmagnetic field, the influence caused by the delay is small. In contrast,when the frequency is high in the change of magnetic field, theinfluence caused by the delay cannot be disregarded. So, in thisembodiment, the reaction phase PHtr including the delay in the reactionof the MCE element 12 is acquired, and the phase of the MHP device 11 iscontrolled to restrict the influence caused by the delay.

FIG. 26 illustrates a model of the MHP device 11 in this embodiment. TheMHP device 11 has the MCE element 12, the magnetic field modulationdevice (MAGD) 13, the heat transport device (HYDD) 14, the controldevice (CNTR) 18, and the phase controller (PHAD) 71. The magnetic fieldmodulation device 13 changes the magnetic field which acts on the MCEelement 12. The heat transport device 14 produces a flow of work fluidwhich exchanges heat with the MCE element 12. The control device 18 hasthe flow phase acquisition part 18 a, the reaction phase acquisitionpart 918 b, and the control part 918 c. The phase controller 71 adjuststhe phases of the magnetic field and the flow to the MCE element 12.

The flow sensor 31 detects the flow of the operation fluid generated bythe heat transport device 14. The flow phase acquisition part 18 aacquires the flow phase PHf from the flow detected by the flow sensor31. The flow phase PHf is represented by a difference between thereference position and the flow. The flow phase PHf is represented by aphase difference between a signal detected by the phase sensor 933, anda signal detected by the flow sensor 31.

The phase sensor 933 detects the operation of the magnetic fieldmodulation device 13, the heat transport device 14, or the motor 15. Thephase sensor 933 is, for example, a rotation position sensor, a magneticsensor, or the like. The phase sensor 933 defines the reference positionfor specifying a phase. The phase sensor 933 is also a referenceposition sensor.

The reaction phase acquisition part 918 b acquires the reaction phasePHtr from the signal detected by the phase sensor 933. The reactionphase acquisition part 918 b calculates the reaction phase PHtr toinclude the delay in change of heat emitted or absorbed in the MCEelement 12, which is caused by change of the external magnetic fieldgenerated by the magnetic field modulation device 13. The reaction phasePHtr is able to be calculated based the phase assumed from themechanical configuration and the reaction delay of the MCE element 12.

When the MCE element 12 produces the reaction delay with a definiteperiod of time, the reaction phase acquisition part 918 b calculates thereaction phase PHtr by adding the reaction delay of the MCE element 12to the reference position detected by the phase sensor 933. The MCEelement 12 may produce a reaction delay with a fixed period of time. TheMCE element 12 may produce a reaction delay with a variable period oftime. In this case, the reaction phase acquisition part 918 b calculatesthe reaction phase PHtr based on the reference position detected by thephase sensor 933, and the reaction delay with the variable period oftime.

The reaction delay of the variable period of time changes with at leastone of parameters such as environmental temperature, pressure, andregular load. The reaction phase acquisition part 918 b calculates thereaction delay of the variable period of time according to at least oneparameter. In this case, the reaction phase PHtr is calculated from thereference position detected by the phase sensor 933, and the calculateddelay of the variable period of time.

The control part (FB) 918 c controls the phase controller (PHAD) 71 suchthat the relation between the flow phase PHf and the reaction phase PHtrapproaches a target relation. The control part 918 c carries out, forexample, feedback control of the phase controller 71. The control part918 c, for example, calculates the phase difference between the flowphase PHf and the reaction phase PHtr, and the calculated phasedifference is made to approach and equal to a target phase difference.The control part 918 c, for example, controls the phase controller 71 tomake the phase difference between the flow phase PHf and the reactionphase PHtr to be equal to zero (0). The control part 918 c can usevarious control methods, such as proportional integral control,proportional integral differential control, and optimal regulatorcontrol.

FIG. 27 illustrates a flow chart representing operations in thisembodiment. When the MHP device 11 shifts from a halt condition to anoperational status, the control device 18 executes the phase controlprocessing 990.

At Step 991, the control device 18 detects the flow phase PHf. The flowphase PHf is detected from the flow sensor 31.

At Step 992, the control device 18 calculates the reaction phase PHtr.The control device 18 calculates the reaction phase PHtr based on thereference position detected by the phase sensor 933 and at least oneparameter. When the parameter is an outside air temperature Tam, thereaction phase PHtr can be calculated based on the reference positionand the function f (Tam) that can be experimentally determined.

At Step 993, the control device 18 carries out feedback control of thephase controller 71. Step 993 can include at least proportional control.In this case, Step 993 includes Step 993 a to calculate the phasedifference, Step 993 b to calculate the control amount, and Step 993 cto control the phase controller 71. At Step 993 b, the control amountproportional to the phase difference is calculated.

FIG. 28 illustrates waveforms relevant to the magnetic field modulationdevice 13 and the heat transport device 14. In FIG. 28, for easyunderstanding, each of the flow velocity and the reaction of the MCEelement 12 is simplified into a shape of a sine wave. The operation ofthe pump which offers the heat transport device 14 is represented by apump waveform PMr. An actual flow is represented by a flow waveform FLr.The flow waveform FLr is behind the pump waveform PMr by the flow phasePHf. A timing when it is observed that the flow waveform FLr has thelocal maximum value is behind a timing when the pump waveform PMr hasthe maximum flow velocity by the flow phase PHf. The operation of themagnetic field modulation device 13 is represented by a magnetic fieldwaveform MGr. The magneto-caloric effect of the MCE element 12 isrepresented by a thermal waveform TRr. The thermal waveform TRrrepresents the heat emission/absorption reaction in the MCE element 12,that is caused by change in the external magnetic field generated by themagnetic field modulation device 13. The reaction of the MCE element 12is behind the change in the magnetic field by the reaction phase PHtr. Atiming when it is observed that the thermal waveform TRr has the localmaximum value is behind a timing when the magnetic field waveform MGrprovides the maximum magnetic field by the reaction phase PHtr.

In this embodiment, the phase controller 71 is controlled so that thetiming when it is observed that the flow waveform FLr has the localmaximum value, and the timing when it is observed that the thermalwaveform TRr has the local maximum value are in a target relation. Thetarget relation is beforehand set up so that the operation efficiency ofthe MHP device 11 becomes high. For example, the phase controller 71 iscontrolled so that the timing when it is observed that the flow waveformFLr has the local maximum value, and the timing when it is observed thatthe thermal waveform TRr has the local maximum value become the same aseach other. Alternatively, the target relation may be set such that theflow waveform FLr precedes a little from the thermal waveform TRr as aphase difference. Moreover, the target relation may be set such that theflow waveform FLr is a little behind the thermal waveform TRr as a phasedifference. The target relation can be set up according to themechanical configuration of the MHP device 11.

According to this embodiment, the bad influence resulting from the delayin the thermal waveform TRr can be restricted. For example, even if thedelay in the thermal waveform TRr changes, the output of the MHP device11 can be restricted from changing. For example, even if the delay inthe thermal waveform TRr changes, the MHP device 11 can be operated athigh efficiency.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reaction phase PHtr equivalent tothe delay of the thermal waveform TRr is calculated. Thereby, acomparatively easy device is employable.

According to this embodiment, both of the bad influence resulting fromthe delay in the flow waveform FLr and the bad influence resulting fromthe delay in the thermal waveform TRr are inhibited. The output of theMHP device 11 can be restricted from changing even if the delay in theflow waveform FLr or the delay in the thermal waveform TRr changes. TheMHP device 11 can be operated at high efficiency even if the delay inthe flow waveform FLr or the delay in the thermal waveform TRr changes.

Tenth Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification of the preceding fundamentalembodiments. The reaction phase PHtr is calculated in the precedingembodiments. Alternatively, the reaction phase PHtr is detected in thisembodiment.

FIG. 29 illustrates a model of the MHP device 11 in this embodiment. TheMHP device 11 includes a reaction sensor A81 which detects the reactionof the MCE element 12, namely, which directly detects a change caused bythe magneto-caloric effect. The reaction sensor A81 observes the thermalwaveform TRr of heat emitted/absorbed in the MCE element 12, which ischanged by the external magnetic field generated by the magnetic fieldmodulation device 13. The reaction sensor A81 observes the temperaturechange of the MCE element 12. The reaction sensor A81 detects thetemperature change of the MCE element 12 resulting from its ownmagneto-caloric effect. The reaction sensor A81 is provided by atemperature sensor. The reaction sensor A81 may be a temperature sensordisposed on the surface of the MCE element 12. The reaction sensor A81may be various sensors, such as a sensor simulating the magneto-caloriceffect of the MCE element 12, or a sensor which detects change in themagnetic permeability.

The reaction sensor A81 is located to detect the temperature of oneportion or of plural portions of the MCE element 12. The reaction sensorA81 is located to detect the temperature of a portion which firstlydemonstrates the magneto-caloric effect after the MHP device 11 isstarted. Thereby, the phase control can be started from the first stageimmediately after the MHP device 11 is started.

The reaction phase acquisition part A18 b acquires the reaction phasePHtr from the signal detected by the phase sensor 933 and the signaldetected by the reaction sensor A81. The reaction phase acquisition partA18 b detects the reaction phase PHtr to include the delay in thereaction of the MCE element 12 to a change in the magnetic field. Thereaction phase PHtr is represented by the delay in the thermal waveformTRr from the reference position, in this embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart for explaining operations in this embodiment.When the MHP device 11 shifts from a halt condition to an operationalstatus, the control device 18 executes the phase control processing A90.At Step A92 b, the control device 18 detects the reaction phase PHtr.For this reason, the exact reaction phase PHtr which suited the actualoperation state can be acquired. For example, even when there is adisturbance magnetic field in the environment where the MHP device 11was installed, even when the MCE element 12 deteriorates, or even whenthere is other disturbance, the exact reaction phase PHtr is acquired.

In this embodiment, the reaction phase PHtr equivalent to the delay inthe thermal waveform TRr can be directly detected. Thereby, the phasecan be accurately controlled.

Eleventh Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification of the preceding fundamentalembodiments. One reaction sensor A81 is used in the precedingembodiment. Alternatively, in this embodiment, in order to detect thereaction phase PHtr, plural reaction sensors B81 are used.

FIG. 31 illustrates a model of the MHP device 11 in this embodiment. TheMCE element 12 has plural portions which are in cascade connection. Theplural portions have curie temperatures different from each other. Theplural portions are in cascade connection to share a load temperaturedifference between a high temperature end and a low temperature end.When the MHP device 11 is started from an initial environmentaltemperature, a part of the plural portions demonstrates amagneto-caloric effect first. The portion that reacts firstly isdependent on the initial environmental temperature. For example, whenthe initial environmental temperature is low, a portion near the lowtemperature end reacts firstly. For example, when the initialenvironmental temperature is high, a portion near the high temperatureend reacts firstly.

The MCE element 12 has plural reaction sensors B81 respectivelycorresponding to the plural portions. One of the reaction sensors B81detects the temperature of one portion. The detection signals of thereaction sensors B81 are inputted into the control device 18. Thedetection signals are used in order to detect the reaction phase PHtr.

The detection signals are inputted into a selection unit B18 d. Theselection unit B18 d selects the detection signal which reacts firstly.The selected detection signal represents the phase of the elementportion which reacted firstly. Therefore, the selected detection signalis inputted into the reaction phase acquisition part A18 b. The reactionphase acquisition part A18 b acquires the reaction phase PHtr. The otherconfiguration and the operation after the reaction phase PHtr wasacquired can be referred to the other embodiment.

According to this embodiment, the selected element portion is differentbetween when the initial environmental temperature is low, and when theinitial environmental temperature is high. Therefore, even if theinitial environmental temperature changes, the reaction phase PHtr canbe detectable from an early stage. Furthermore, the phase control can bestarted at an early stage according to the reaction phase PHtr.

Other Embodiment

The disclosure in this description is not restricted to the illustratedembodiment. The disclosure includes the illustrated embodiments andmodifications by a person skilled in the art based on the illustratedembodiments. For example, disclosure is not limited to the componentand/or the combination of the components shown in the embodiments. Thedisclosure can be carried out with various combinations. The disclosuremay use additional parts which can be added to the embodiments. Thedisclosure may contain modifications in which component and/or elementof the embodiments are removed. The disclosure may contain modificationsin which component and/or element of the embodiments are exchanged orcombined. Technical scope of disclosure is not limited to theembodiments. It should be understood that some disclosed technical scopemay be shown by description in the scope of claim, and contain allmodifications which are equivalent to and within description of thescope of claim.

In the embodiments, the multi-cylinder pump is provided by the slantingboard type pump. Alternatively, the other capacity type pump may beused. Moreover, the heat transport device 14 may be a separate devicenot driven by the motor 15. Moreover, in the first embodiment, one workroom 26 is arranged to correspond to one cylinder of a pump.Alternatively, plural cylinders may correspond to one work room, onecylinder may correspond to plural work rooms, or plural cylinders maycorrespond to plural work rooms.

The air-conditioner 10 is provided in the embodiments. Alternatively, anair-conditioner for residences may be provided. Moreover, a device whichheats or cools water may be provided, such as hot-water supply device ora water cooling machine. Moreover, the MHP device 11 uses outside air asmain heat source. Alternatively, other heat source such as water orground may be used as a main heat source.

In the embodiments, the MHP device 11 is provided as a thermomagneticcycle device. Alternatively, a thermomagnetic engine device may beprovided as a thermomagnetic cycle device. For example, a thermomagneticengine device can be provided by adjusting phases between the magneticfield change and the flow of heat transport medium in the MHP device 11of the embodiment.

In the embodiments, the vane type phase controller 71, 72 is used.Alternatively, it is possible to use various phase controllers. Forexample, a phase controller using engagement of helical gears or a phasecontroller using a planetary gear mechanism can be used. In theembodiments, the capacity adjustment type phase controller 71, 72 usingoperation fluid is used. Alternatively, a phase controller which adjustsa phase difference using a clutch mechanism may be used, which controlsa rotation angle of an electric motor, or a torque transfer.

The single motor 15 is used in the embodiments. Alternatively, a motorfor the magnetic field modulation device 13 and a motor for the heattransport device 14 may be adopted. In this case, the phase differencebetween the phase of magnetic field change and the phase of both-wayflow can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation phase of the two motors.In this case, a phase control part is provided by the two motors and acontrol circuit which controls the two motors.

In the embodiments, the flow sensor 31, 32, 531 observes the float 37 asan optical sensor. Alternatively, the float 37 may be observed usingvarious sensors such as ultrasonic sensor, magnetic sensor, andmechanical contact switch. Moreover, the flow sensor 31, 32, 531observes the float 37. Alternatively, the flow sensor 31, 32, 531 mayobserve the air bubbles produced in the heat transport medium. Moreover,the flow sensor 31, 32, 531 can be provided using various detectionprinciples, such as pressure sensor, Karman vortex sensor, and heat raysensor.

The flow sensor 31, 32, 531 can be provided by a sensor which detects,for example, pressure of a heat transport medium. The pressure of a heattransport medium represents the state of a both-way flow, i.e., thewaveform of the both-way flow. The flow sensor 31, 32, 531 can beprovided by a sensor which detects, for example, temperature of a heattransport medium. In the AMR cycle, the temperature of a heat transportmedium represents the state of a both-way flow, i.e., the waveform ofthe both-way flow. For this reason, the waveform of a both-way flow isdetected by an easy temperature sensor.

The phase of magnetic field change is specified by the mechanicalconfiguration of the MHP device 11 in the embodiments. Alternatively, asensor may detect the phase of magnetic field change. For example, ofthe torque which appears in the housing 521, the alternating-currentcomponent represents the magnetic field change. For this reason, thephase of magnetic field change may be detected based on thealternating-current component in the output of the strain gauge 679.

Alternative to the embodiment, the flow phase may be detected based onthe capability of the MHP device 11. For example, the phase controller71, 72 can be exploratively controlled so that the capability of the MHPdevice 11 becomes the maximum. In this case, at the same time when thephase difference between the magnetic field phase and the flow phase isacquired, the control is executed to make the acquisition phasedifference to approach a target phase difference. Therefore, a partwhich acquires the phase difference between the magnetic field phase andthe flow phase is included.

Moreover, the flow phase may be detected from a work load for drivingthe magnetic field modulation device 13. For example, a torque sensor ora strain gauge can be used, which detects the torque for rotating themagnetic field modulation device 13, i.e., the rotor core 24. The workload is changed by the phase difference between the magnetic field phaseand the flow phase. Therefore, the phase difference can be observedbased on the output from the torque sensor or the strain gauge. In thiscase, it can be said that a part which acquires the phase differencebetween the magnetic field phase and the flow phase is included.

What is claimed is:
 1. A thermomagnetic cycle device comprising: amagneto-caloric element that emits or absorbs heat depending on anintensity of an external magnetic field; a magnetic field modulationdevice that modulates the external magnetic field applied to themagneto-caloric element; a heat transport device that generates aboth-way flow of heat transport medium that exchanges heat with themagneto-caloric element so that a high temperature end and a lowtemperature end are generated in the magneto-caloric element; a phasecontroller that adjusts a phase difference between a magnetic fieldphase representing change in the external magnetic field generated bythe magnetic field modulation device and a flow phase of the both-wayflow generated by the heat transport device; and a control device thatcontrols the phase controller, wherein the control device includes aphase acquisition part that acquires the flow phase of the both-way flowof the heat transport medium or a reaction phase representing change inthe heat emitted or absorbed by the magneto-caloric element, and acontrol part that controls the phase controller based on the flow phaseor the reaction phase.
 2. The thermomagnetic cycle device according toclaim 1, wherein the control device includes a phase differenceacquisition part that acquires a phase difference between the magneticfield phase and the flow phase, the phase acquisition part acquires theflow phase, the control part controls the phase controller so that anacquisition phase difference acquired by the phase differenceacquisition part approaches a target phase difference, the target phasedifference is a delay phase difference by which the flow phase isdelayed from the magnetic field phase, and the acquisition phasedifference is a delay phase difference that is further delayed than thetarget phase difference.
 3. The thermomagnetic cycle device according toclaim 2, wherein the control part acquires the phase difference betweenthe magnetic field phase and the flow phase as the acquisition phasedifference, and controls the phase controller to reduce an error phasedifference between the acquisition phase difference and the target phasedifference.
 4. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 2,wherein the control part controls the acquisition phase differencewithin a target range including the target phase difference.
 5. Thethermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the phasecontroller is disposed between the magnetic field modulation device andthe heat transport device, and controls the phase difference in amechanical interlocking relation between the magnetic field modulationdevice and the heat transport device.
 6. The thermomagnetic cycle deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the phase controller is configured tocorrespond to an advance direction and a retard direction, and has acomponent that defines a plurality of capacity chambers in whichoperation fluid is arranged.
 7. The thermomagnetic cycle deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein the control part controls the phasedifference by controlling a ratio of volume between the plurality ofcapacity chambers.
 8. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim6, wherein the control part controls the phase difference by providing adumping function to the phase controller.
 9. The thermomagnetic cycledevice according to claim 8, further comprising: an air bubble providerthat provides the dumping function by injecting air bubbles into thecapacity chamber, wherein the control part controls the phase differenceby controlling the air bubble provider.
 10. The thermomagnetic cycledevice according to claim 9, wherein the operation fluid has a known gassolubility, and the air bubble provider has a thermoregulator thatcontrols a temperature of the operation fluid to inject air bubbles intothe capacity chamber.
 11. The thermomagnetic cycle device according toclaim 1, wherein the phase controller shifts a relative position betweenthe magnetic field modulation device and the magneto-caloric element.12. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 11, wherein thephase controller is configured to move the magneto-caloric element. 13.The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the phaseacquisition part includes a flow phase acquisition part that acquiresthe flow phase of the both-way flow of the heat transport medium, thephase acquisition part further includes a phase determining part thatacquires the phase difference between the magnetic field phase and theflow phase as an acquisition phase difference, and the control partcontrols the phase controller so that the acquisition phase differenceapproaches a target phase difference.
 14. The thermomagnetic cycledevice according to claim 13, further comprising: a flow sensor thatobserves the both-way flow of the heat transport medium, wherein theflow phase acquisition part detects the flow phase based on an output ofthe flow sensor.
 15. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim13 further comprising: a sensor that observes a state of the heattransport medium, wherein the flow phase acquisition part presumes theflow phase based on an output of the sensor.
 16. The thermomagneticcycle device according to claim 1, wherein the phase controller controlsthe phase difference so that the magneto-caloric element is able to havehigh ability as an AMR cycle.
 17. A thermomagnetic cycle devicecomprising: a magneto-caloric element that emits or absorbs heatdepending on an intensity of an external magnetic field; a magneticfield modulation device that modulates the external magnetic fieldapplied to the magneto-caloric element; a heat transport device thatgenerates a both-way flow of heat transport medium that exchanges heatwith the magneto-caloric element so that a high temperature end and alow temperature end are generated in the magneto-caloric element; and aphase controller that adjusts a phase difference between a magneticfield phase representing change in the external magnetic field generatedby the magnetic field modulation device and a flow phase of the both-wayflow generated by the heat transport device by shifting a relativeposition between the magnetic field modulation device and themagneto-caloric element.
 18. The thermomagnetic cycle device accordingto claim 17, wherein the phase controller is configured to move themagneto-caloric element.
 19. The thermomagnetic cycle device accordingto claim 1, wherein the phase acquisition part calculates the reactionphase to include a delay in change of the heat generated or absorbed bythe magneto-caloric element, that is caused by a change in the externalmagnetic field generated by the magnetic field modulation device, andthe control part controls the phase controller such that a relationbetween the flow phase and the reaction phase approaches a targetrelation.
 20. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 1,wherein the phase acquisition part includes a reaction sensor thatdetects the reaction phase by observing a change in the heat emitted orabsorbed by the magneto-caloric element, that is caused by a change inthe external magnetic field generated by the magnetic field modulationdevice, and the control part controls the phase controller such that arelation between the flow phase and the reaction phase approaches atarget relation.